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SHARE ON: Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory is using grant money to buy drones to map the land and manage forest inventory in the region. Photo supplied Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory is using grant money to buy drones to map the land and manage forest inventory in the region. The First Nation’s Lands and Natural Resources Department is incorporating light detecting and ranging, called LiDAR (LIE-DAR just like radar) technology and drones to manage forestry mapping, as part of its business plan, explains department director John Manitowabi. Manitowabi says the $155,000 in funding for the new equipment was provided through Natural Resources Canada’s Indigenous Forestry Initiative. ....
The largest grant, $3.19 million, went to local wood pellet producer Pacific BioEnergy Prince George Limited Partnership. Pacific BioEnergy vice president Paul Kalil said the company has developed a system to clean rocks, dirt and other debris from forest residues left behind by conventional logging operations so that it can be used to create wood pellets. Pacific BioEnergy has struggled for years to secure a fibre (supply), Kalil said. This project will allow us. to use a supply of fibre which has traditionally been burned. This is a first for Canada and, we believe, a first for North America. Using what is currently considered a waste product will provide the plant with a low-cost supply of feedstock, he said. The technology, which is expected to be operational soon, will create up to 14 new jobs in the Prince George area and provide added security for the company s future. ....